Lord of Misrule

Set in a remote town during the harvest festival, the arrival of a new priest coincides with a troubling disappearance. Rebecca Holland, the priest's daughter, vanishes, sparking a wide search that uncovers long buried secrets about the community. As investigators chase rumors, whispers of a malevolent spirit resurface, said to demand offerings from the living. The hunt broadens into a web of deceit and old loyalties, forcing residents to confront who they really are. Beneath the surface, the town's history resists easy answers and fuels a growing sense of dread.

Directed by William Brent Bell, Lord of Misrule is a 2023 horror mystery built from an idea by Tom de Ville. The film features Tuppence Middleton, Jane Wood, Evie Templeton, Matt Stokoe and George Keeler in a tense exploration of faith, fear and folklore. Production relies on mood, sound design and a stark, windy setting to heighten suspense. The production team uses practical effects and location work to feel authentic, avoiding heavy CGI and letting the setting do much of the work.

Audience reaction is mixed, favoring atmosphere over flashy scares. It holds a 5.8 out of 10 from around 160 votes, signaling a divided response to its pacing and tone. The film centers on themes of communal memory, ritual sacrifice and the corrosive effect of rumors in a tight knit town where trust frays under pressure. Bell favors restraint and suggestion rather than overt shocks, inviting viewers to interpret the haunting through their own experiences with tradition and guilt.

As a late 2023 release with a limited footprint, Lord of Misrule has not yet left a large mark on pop culture. It may appeal to horror fans drawn to folklore driven dread and harvest festival imagery. While it lacks a widely quoted moment or iconic scene, its focus on local myth and ritual could influence future thrillers that prioritize mood over gore.